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The Chicago Bulls are preparing for their 2008-09 season to get underway with their first preseason game this Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks.  After hiring a rookie coach and having the number selection in the draft this off-season, the Bulls have plenty of answers to solve before opening night on Halloween against the Boston Celtics.  Lets take a look at somethings you should look for during the first preseason game.

1. Vinny del Negro: This will be Vinny del Negro’s first game as a coach in the NBA, let alone the head coach of one of the league’s youngest teams.  The Bulls line up is filled with plenty of potential.  Their are a number of young guys on this roster that could be potential stars in the NBA, it will be interesting to see how he handles the squad.
2. Derrick Rose: This will be Rose’s first attempt at running team’s point.  This is also a home game, meaning he will be playing in front of plenty of family and friends.  We all remember the last time the Bulls drafted a hometown boy (see Eddy Curry).  Rose will also have the tough task of guarding one of the leagues best point guards of all time, Jason Kid.  It will be interesting to see Rose’s role in his first game and how he gets the rest of the guys involved.
3. Overload at Guard:  The Bulls have a long list of guards, all of whom could be worthy of playing time: Rose, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Thabo Sefolosha and Larry Hughes.  John Paxson has already stated the Bulls will develop Rose into a team leader at point guard this season, so he should get plenty of playing time.  Gordon has always been a great sixth man of the bench, so look for him to get those end of the game minutes when the game counts if he can reduce his turnovers.  Hinrich has been the captain of this team for a few years now.  He has always played tough defense, but his lack of shooting last year is a major concern.  Look for him to play against opponents top scoring threats. Sefolosha also has the backing of Paxson, as the Bulls would like to see him develop into a top scoring threat.  With Gordon likely leaving next summer, the Bulls will need to look for someone to replace the leading scorer of the previous three seasons.  As for Hughes, he is one of the Bulls few veterans.  His experience should be key to teaching these young players.  He also has a knack for playing tough defense, and could get some big minutes late in the game. It should be interesting to see how del Negro handles this situation.
4. Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah: Thomas and Noah combined, would be one great player.  Thomas is a savvy, quick offense player, who has a knack for finding lanes to get open away from the ball.  Noah plays hard nosed defense, and thrives on getting second chance shoots by getting garbage boards.  Del Negro has been public about Noah’s poor performance in summer league, and if he is healthy enough to play it will be interesting to see his role.  As for Thomas, don’t be surprised if you see him receive an ally oop pass from Rose.
5. Ben Gordon’s role: After failing to come to agreement on a long term deal two summers in a row now, it would be surprising if he stays with the Bulls after this season.  Gordon has lead the Bulls in scoring every year in his career, so his shooting ability will be needed.  Knowing that is probably not a long term option after this season, the Bulls would like to develop their young guys so it will be interesting to see how Gordon fits into the rotation.  Like I stated above though, I would like to see him off the bench.

This first game should be an interesting test for the entire Chicago Bulls team.  From the rookie coach to rookie point guard, it should be an interesting game to watch.  There will be a lot to learn in the first game, and even though the Bulls have plenty of players to figure out playing time for that is not necessarily a bad thing.

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• October 28, 2008 -- Bulls, Rose and del Negro Undefeated
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